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When Google announced the LTE-equipped Nexus 7, it seemed like the unicorn LTE device we’d all been waiting for. The Nexus 7 is an inexpensive tablet with solid specs and an unlocked LTE radio that works on most carriers worldwide. Basically, this device is everything Verizon fears. So perhaps no one should be surprised that early adopters who have taken their Nexus 7 tablets into Verizon to be activated have been told the devices are incompatible. It seems that Verizon, despite agreeing to open access rules when it licensed its LTE bands, is refusing to activate the Nexus 7. How can Verizon get away with it?

The LTE version of the Nexus 7 supports a huge number of LTE bands, and unlike most phones in the US, it is not locked to a carrier. Therefore, you should be able to go into a T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon store to buy an LTE data plan (Sprint’s fledgling LTE network isn’t supported). Google sells versions of the Nexus 7 with included AT&T or T-Mobile SIMs so you can save yourself a trip to the store, but Verizon’s system simply doesn’t support activating outside devices. Strange, seeing as Google went out of its way to say it would work on Verizon.

Verizon won a large swath of the 700MHz Block C wireless spectrum in the 2008 FCC auction. Google got involved in that bidding war just long enough to ensure that open access restrictions were put in place on Block C. These rules require that the licensee of Block C does not prevent compatible devices or software from being used. However, there are ways around this.

Verizon has been claiming in recent years that it can do as it pleases with smartphones because they access the open LTE bands, but also the closed CDMA ones. Now here comes the Nexus 7 with support only for LTE in Block C on Verizon. Verizon apologists are coming out of the woodwork saying this is simply a system limitation. Despite having years to prepare, Verizon still needs an ESN number (which only Verizon phones have) to activate a device through its computers. It’s not that Verizon hates you, it’s that the company is incompetent. That’s not illegal, right?

That’s not even the end of the tale, though. If regulators do get up in arms about Verizon’s refusal to activate the Nexus 7, Big Red can just point to the other loophole at its disposal. The open access restrictions include a “reasonable network security” provision. If Verizon claims that the Nexus 7, with its sketchy non-Verizon-approved software, is a security risk, that’s the end of it. It doesn’t have to comply with the open access restrictions — it’s the ultimate get out of jail free card, and Verizon will use it.

It looks like the only way you can get a Nexus 7 working on Verizon’s network is to have an existing line with LTE service and secretly move that SIM to the Nexus 7. Although, there is no guarantee Verizon won’t figure out what you’re doing and shut you down. Make no mistake, the Nexus 7 is not incompatible with Verizon’s network, it’s incompatible with Verizon’s ideology.

Update: Verizon got back to us and said the Nexus 7 is not certified for use on its network. It will let everyone know when that changes. So we have confirmation that the device can be activated, but Verizon isn’t allowing it right now. The carrier does not have any information about when (or if) it will be certified.

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Not a big fan of Verizon but due to coverage limitations in my area I’m stuck with the turds.

Wyseguy

So let’s recap:

1. Verizon has two network technologies they are currently supporting: CDMA2000 (3G), and LTE (4G).

2. As LTE is relatively new, not all carrier network functionality is available on it yet. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile currently support data-only, no voice, let alone provisioning services.

3. Verizon’s activation process isn’t available on LTE, but requires CDMA2000 to do that. The Nexus 7 doesn’t have a CDMA2000 radio, so it can’t be activated by the normal process. The rest of the devices that work on Verizon’s network (like recent iPads) do have CDMA2000 radios, so they actually work, and are supported.

4. The Nexus 7 *does* have GSM (2G), UMTS (3G) radios, so that it will activate on AT&T and T-Mobile networks, even if they don’t support LTE-only device activation.

So Google announced it would work on Verizon, but didn’t bother to check if it actually would work? It’s Google’s product, and I’d say most of the blame lays with them. When Apple announces that a device will work on someone’s network, they actually make sure it does before launch. Google should have done the same.

Also, you make reference to “open” and “closed” bands. It’s all licensed spectrum, meaning that it’s all “closed.” What you are talking about is carrier locking of devices. There’s really no such thing as an “unlocked” CDMA2000 device, as the ESN is coded into the device, and not on a removable SIM card. LTE, as it uses SIM cards, can actually be unlocked.

You might want to do a little more research before you publish something which really reads more like a tantrum, than a well thought-out article.

Felix

Problem is, if you don’t go through their official approval process at the store and just put in your LTE SIM card from other device, it works. So what exactly is the support issue happening then?

Wyseguy

You said it right there. An LTE SIM card that’s already been activated on another device – one with a CDMA2000 radio, which it used to complete the process.

By just moving the SIM, the carrier’s profile of the device being used is now incorrect. That usually matters more to them than to the end user, unless there are differences in provisioned features.

When a carrier declares support for a particular device, they usually have requirements for it, such as being able to support both new radio tech (LTE), and the primary radio teach (CDMA2000). The device should be able to be activated on the network via the standard process. If it can’t do those things (as the Nexus 7 can’t), then they probably won’t support it.

As I pointed out, the Nexus 7 *does* have the older radios necessary to fully support AT&T and T-Mobile. It just doesn’t have the right radio set to fully support Verizon.

anehlo

I’m calling B.S. on this. I walked into a Verizon store in San Francisco and the rep activated a SIM card for me, put it into my Nexus 7, asked me what data plan I would like to use and I was off and running. There is no issue with activating a new SIM card on a Nexus 7. It is FULLY supported. The rep may have to do a few more steps than just “press this button to activate,” but it is doable. Verizon is just refusing to activate these devices because (I’m guessing) they want to restrict some features such as tethering — which the Nexus 7 can do on Verizon’s network.

Wyseguy

So Verizon did activate it on the network for you. So both what I said, and this article are incorrect? It does work, and Verizon is doing it?

anehlo

The point is, Nexus 7s can be activated on Verizon’s netowrk but they CHOOSE not to activate most devices (unless you get the right rep.)

The rep at the Verizon store on Pine Street in San Francisco (his name was Tim) activated a new SIM card for me for use on my Nexus 7. He then put the SIM card in my Nexus 7 himself and set me up with a data plan. I want to make clear that my experience is the exception, not the rule.

I fully believe and know 2 people who went into a Verizon store and were refused activation/service on their Nexus 7 because the reps said the device isn’t in their system, so they can’t activate it. (I’ve since then told these 2 people to go to Tim in the SF Verizon store and they walked out with working Nexus 7s on Verizon’s network.)

So, my conclusion is that the fact that Verizon is refusing to activate Nexus 7s is not because it’s not compatible with their system — as my case proves, it is compatible — but because, for reasons that we can only speculate, the CHOOSE not to activate this device.

Ken B

Wouldn’t be surprised if Tim gets fired (or relocated somewhere north) due to this. Which is a shame, we need more Tim’s!

howardbamber

I hope you changed his name, and location, or will be compensating him when he looses his job.

anehlo

“I hope you changed his name, and location, or will be compensating him when he loses his job.” – What an idiot.

Thank you for your concern for Tim. I had some business at this particular Verizon store the other day and he’s doing just fine. I mean, seriously, it’s not like he did something illegal. He’s helping a customer despite his company’s bullshit. Verizon should hire more people like him.

RyanWhitwam

There is nothing stopping Verizon from activating the device. They just couldn’t be bothered to do it until people complained. I actually did research this, despite your assertion to the contrary. In fact, Verizon got back to me to say could certify the N7 in the future. It is not a real technical limitation in any other sense than VZ was dragging their feet. They don’t have to create a new back end for this, they only have to decide to allow it. An update to this post with Verizon’s response is pending.

Additionally. When I talk about open and closed, I’m referring to the open access provisions of the block c spectrum.

Wyseguy

Ryan,

Thanks for responding. I still believe that Google shares responsibility here. Verizon is a partner of theirs, and they didn’t work closely with them to make sure everything was in place at release, or with some kind of statement about future support?

http://pharaohtechblog.blogspot.com/ Conan Kudo (ニール・ゴンパ)

The Samsung Galaxy Camera begs to differ here. The Galaxy Camera has no CDMA2000 radio at all, but activation/provisioning works fine. No MEID/ESN, only IMEI with IMSI from SIM. LTE-only network provisioning (along with most LTE features, aside from VoLTE, which requires client code) has been available on the network for over a year now.

Google has absolutely ZERO reason to hand-hold Verizon on this. This is squarely a fumble on Verizon’s side, because Verizon’s systems are fully capable of giving access to “foreign” devices, since they’ve got the pieces in place from their GSM/UMTS operations derived from earlier acquisitions.

Wyseguy

Conan, your first paragraph makes sense. It’s contrary to what I’ve read, and heard from some of my Verizon contacts, but if Samsung Galaxy Camera specs are correct and complete, then point taken.

The second paragraph I’m not so sure. Please explain exactly where Verizon is operating GSM/UMTS networks, and on what frequencies? All documentation I’ve been able to find suggests that they aren’t operating any of that under the Verizon brand on 800, 1900, and 700 MHz bands that that they have licenses for. Are you referring to some small regional network, that they are going to merge into their service down the road? It wouldn’t mean deploying all-new GSM/UMTS equipment, and licensing it nationwide. They’d just sunset it over time in that area, in favor of their newer service. I doubt it would provide any benefit in activating the Nexus 7s.

My point about Google working with Verizon still stands. It’s their product. Why aren’t they on this? Apple did with the iPad and Verizon. Why didn’t Google?

http://pharaohtechblog.blogspot.com/ Conan Kudo (ニール・ゴンパ)

None of the GSM/UMTS networks Verizon has run under the Verizon brand. But they do exist.

The largest is the one from the Rural Cellular Corporation (UNICEL), which stretched across three or four states across the Southeast. Another is a small portion of Plateau Wireless it acquired (where GSM-1900 and UMTS on AWS runs at the moment). There are a few other smaller GSM networks from the Alltel acquisition in some random areas, but that’s about it. The key point, though, is that they’ve had infrastructure to support it, so there isn’t an excuse.

If you enter the Verizon Wireless APN (yes, there is one) and put your SIM card in, it should work. The modem and software in the Nexus 7 has been pre-certified by Verizon for Qualcomm. Again, no excuse for it to not work right out of the gate.

Wyseguy

Your assertion that because Verizon owns some companies in rural areas with GSM/UMTS networks somehow solves this makes no sense. The vast majority of Verizon’s actual network is CDMA2000 and LTE. If that were the problem (which it doesn’t appear to be now), that wouldn’t make any difference.

Ray C

Though I agree with you, some of what Wyseguy is saying is accurate. Nothing is stopping Verizon, but technically speaking they don’t “have to” do it. I find it hard to believe that Google did not see this coming at all. If this were Apple or Microsoft, people would be blaming them for not seeing this coming.

RozzSummer

Many of you are probably too young to remember the fracas around implementation and enforcement of FCC Part 68. Working for a modem company in the 1980’s always set up a huge battle with AT&T. They would try like hell to prevent customer-owned communications equipment from directly attaching to “their” network. Old Part 68 needs to be buffed and shined for the wireless world; conceptually, there is no difference.

me987654

In a just world they would allow the device or have their spectrum rights revoked.

However we live in a almost completely corrupt society, so no chance

jack_k1

That’s interesting. My contract with Verizon just ran out. It’s definitely time to shop around. My reception sucks, and I hate Verizon bloatware, so this may work out for the best.

GoonieGooGoo4

So…..if I swap my XOOM 4G LTE Sim Card into a Nexus 7…..the Nexus 7 will work on Verizon’s network??

http://pharaohtechblog.blogspot.com/ Conan Kudo (ニール・ゴンパ)

Yep. Though, unlike the XOOM, there will be no capability to access 1xRTT or EvDO (CDMA2000 data schemes).

Tu Tran

The reason for this is the 700mHz (AWS) spectrum was just purchased recently, meaning the hardware to support this is not yet integrated fully into VZW’s infrastructure. Also this means that only some VZW markets would be able to support AWS if it is turned up in those markets. There is work behind the scenes here that people just think all this cellular stuff is magic and can be turned on like a light switch. I know plenty people who work in the infrastructure side of the VZW House. When they say it is not a VZW approved device on their network, they mean it. They test the heck out of it to make sure that X number of devices will not bring down a tower or even a complete ring.

It is the same concept in computing. Ask anybody in computer networking if they like an unapproved hub or a switch on their network. It could cause some major issues.

RyanWhitwam

If you know a lot of people who work on Verizon’s infrastructure, you should listen to them more closely. The 700MHz Block C spectrum is not AWS. Block C was licensed in 2008 (as I explained in the post). Verizon has been using 700MHz since it launched LTE. The AWS spectrum is 1700/2100MHz and is just being deployed now. The Nexus 7 works on both 700 and AWS (along with more bands).

Barry Ferguson

Still like them more than AT&T. Google should just pull an old-hat Microsoft and invade telecom full force. It might lead to disaster a decade from now, but it might keep the crooks honest in the meantime. Oh wait, the U.S. Gov’t is in bed with the telecoms…. NO WONDER THEY ACT LIKE THEY’RE IMMUNE TO LAWS.

bjorn6

What about if you have a verizon, device already like a modem can’t you put that lte sim into the nexus 7?

btc909

Awah Verizon isn’t getting kickbacks from Google. WAAAAAA! Time to contact the FCC.

Menno van der Coelen

Am I glad I don’t live in the US (in this case at least). If I buy a phone/tablet here it usually works on any carrier without problems.

ArchAngel570

Another reason I bailed ship with Verizon. Like all carriers, they will pull the change out of your pocket if you lay dieing in the road to help their bottom line. Despite their more reliable network, pricing was much higher (for me) on Verizon so I moved to another competitor at cheaper rates with very similar, if not equal, reliability.

Just as a a test I took my SIM from my Verizon iPad 3 and put it in my Google Nexus 7 2nd generation.
Powered it on and it it saw the SIM, reported no service.
Went into the Settings/More/Mobile Networks/Network operators.
When you hit network operators is scans for available Mobile networks.
It found, right off the bat ‘Verizon Wireless’ as well as T-Mobile and something called 311660.

I turned of my Wi-Fi and still had instant access to the internet and Corporate email.

I am so disappointing with Verizon. I had just gotten off the phone with their support and told, ‘Not an approved device’. There is nothing anyone can do until it is.

And Thank you for being a Loyal Verizon Wireless customer since 1999!

It is ‘Their Choice’ not too as stated several times here!

MThomason

how do we file a claim with the FCC and will it make a difference

PhoneNews.com

This article is incorrect on several levels.

Verizon will activate a Nexus 7 LTE, and has been willing to do so from day one. Even though it hasn’t been certified. We’ve had our N7 LTE on Verizon from the day it arrived, and we ordered the hour it hit Google Play.

Verizon simply will not activate NEW SERVICE with a N7 LTE until it has been certified. You must first activate LTE service with a Verizon smartphone or tablet data plan, and then swap the SIM card into the Nexus 7 LTE.

This is fully in compliance with the C Block rules. Verizon doesn’t have to sell new service to a N7 LTE, they simply have to permit SIM swapping, which they do.

The easiest route is to borrow a friend’s Verizon LTE iPad or LTE Android tablet (iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab OG won’t do), pop in a new VZW LTE SIM card and set up new prepaid service. Then swap SIMs into the N7. You could probably even borrow a VZW store’s tablet and do it in-store.

Renard Fiossa

Why would any sane person buy a tablet that they’re not gonna use (too socially inept to ask to borrow a friend’s device, all the people in my city are too paranoid as well so yeah) just so they can get past this clunky activation system that desperately needs updated? I may, but I don’t want to, and the general public’s DEFINITELY not gonna go through this process to get their new shiny N7 working.
It shouldn’t need Verizon’s a-OK to be used as long as it’s passed FCC tests (which, obviously, it has) and is compatible with their network (again, it is compatible).
The CEO and all of VZ’s executives are all weeping over the fact their Draconian friend CDMA is on its deathbed (thank the Lord, I’ve been waiting for this day), the fact the decent, open system that is LTE is gonna put a dent in their profits and are merely trying their damnedst to make the best of the last year or two (three? meh) of CDMA’s relevance.

PhoneNews.com

This article is incorrect on several levels.

Verizon will activate a Nexus 7 LTE, and has been willing to do so from day one. Even though it hasn’t been certified. We’ve had our N7 LTE on Verizon from the day it arrived, and we ordered the hour it hit Google Play.

Verizon simply will not activate NEW SERVICE with a N7 LTE until it has been certified. You must first activate LTE service with a Verizon smartphone or tablet data plan, and then swap the SIM card into the Nexus 7 LTE.

This is fully in compliance with the C Block rules. Verizon doesn’t have to sell new service to a N7 LTE, they simply have to permit SIM swapping, which they do.

The easiest route is to borrow a friend’s Verizon LTE iPad or LTE Android tablet (iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab OG won’t do), pop in a new VZW LTE SIM card and set up new prepaid service. Then swap SIMs into the N7. You could probably even borrow a VZW store’s tablet and do it in-store.

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